Kok Tobe
| Kok-Tobe Mountain | |
|---|---|
| Kazakh: Көк-Төбе | |
| Elevation | 1,100 m (3,600 ft) |
| Location | |
| Location | Almaty, Kazakhstan |
| Coordinates | 43°7′47.30″N 76°54′18.20″E / 43.1298056°N 76.9050556°ECoordinates: 43°7′47.30″N 76°54′18.20″E / 43.1298056°N 76.9050556°E |
Kok-Tobe (Kazakh: Көк-Төбе - "Green Hill"; Russian: Кок-Тюбе, Kok-Tyube) is the Kok-Tobe Mountain which is the highest point of Almaty city, Kazakhstan's largest city. It is also the name of a popular recreation area on top of the mountain. The mountain's height is 1100 meters above sea level. Kok-tobe is one of the main landmarks in the city, and it is very popular among visitors and tourists of Almaty.
The Kok-Tobe recreational area has a variety of amusement park type attractions and restaurants. It is connected to downtown Almaty by a cable car line. The City Terminal is located near Hotel Kazakhstan. Also, there is a 372 meters tall TV Tower at the foot of the mountain. The tower can be seen from most parts of the city.
TV Tower
Almaty Tower, the city's television tower, built during 1975 and 1983, is located on the south-eastern slope of the hill.[1] If measured from sea level, this tower is one of the highest in the world. The tower is 372 meters tall. It has a couple observation platforms, but they are not open for public. It is unique, because unlike other TV towers, it was built entirely of steel, and has a tubular structure.[2]
The Beatles Monument
A bronze statue of The Beatles by sculptor Eduard Kazaryan was placed on Kok Tobe mountain on May 15, 2007.[3] The Mount Kok-Tobe inaugurated bench of «Beatles», as part of the launch of the National Award "Music feature - 2007". This is the first and only monument of the legendary Fab Four in full: John Lennon with his guitar sitting on a bench behind him, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
Entertainment
Kok-Tobe park has various entertainments such as a fountain of "desire" in the shape of an apple, a children's playground, a climbing wall, a ride «Fast Coaster», an art gallery, tea house, and a restaurant "Yurt". In addition to these attractions, on the Kok-Tobe there are: viewing platforms, a petting zoo, a concert hall, a lovers alley, ponds, and shops selling national souvenirs.
Fast Coaster
Fast Coaster is a roller coaster which is located on the hillside. «Fast Coaster» - is the only roller coaster in Kazakhstan, that is located on a side of a mountain. Going down with a speed of 45 km / h, you can feel an adrenaline rush, enjoy the view of the picturesque landscape of the city. Sliding down at night, you will see stunning views of the city drowned in millions of colored lights.[4]
Transportation
Kok-tobe is connected to Almaty's city centre by a rope way. Departing point from the city centre is a station located on intersection of Dostyk and Abay avenues. The city centre's terminal is situated behind Arman Cinema and Hotel Kazakhstan. The length of the rope-way is 1727 meters and it takes about 6 minutes to reach the Kok-Tobe's station.[5] There are also alternative ways to reach Kok-Tobe such as: by taking a shuttle bus that starts at the foot of the mountain, or by walking. Cars are not allowed to get inside of the park due to environmental reasons.
References
Notes
- ↑ http://www.silkroadadventures.net/en/Kazakhstan/13Cities/10Thenature-08.html
- ↑ http://englishrussia.com/2011/08/02/a-visit-to-the-almaty-television-tower/
- ↑ http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/beatles-statue-almaty
- ↑ http://www.kok-tobe.kz/index.cfm?uid=D411D7E0-C29E-8867-106F6E3BDE679B87&docid=24
- ↑ http://www.kok-tobe.kz/index.cfm?uid=D4196643-C29E-8867-15BD7FDAADE5FCA7&docid=25